Rape accuser was fixated with Paddy Jackson, says witness

Rory Harrison said the woman “could not take her eyes off” Paddy Jackson during a party at the rugby international’s homeNIALL CARSON/PRESS ASSOCIATION

A woman who accused the Irish rugby international Paddy Jackson of rape was “fixated” with him, his friend said.

The alleged victim was staring at him and followed him five minutes after he went to his bedroom after a Belfast house party, Rory Harrison said in a statement.

Mr Jackson, 26, from Oakleigh Park in Belfast, denies raping the woman in June 2016 and a further charge of sexual assault. Mr Harrison’s statement said the alleged victim “appeared to be staring at and fixated with Paddy”.

He said she “did not appear to take her eyes off Paddy”. His statement to a Police Service of Northern Ireland detective was read out during a trial at Belfast crown court.

Another Ulster and Ireland player, Stuart Olding,…

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